Radio is the main source of information for many Burundians. Most privately-owned stations were shut after a 2015 coup attempt and have stayed closed, says Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Some journalists have fled the country. "The media are for the most part dominated by fear, resignation and self-censorship," says RSF.

The government banned FM transmissions of BBC World Service radio in 2019, accusing it of airing a documentary that it said had damaged the country's reputation. The authorities have also suspended US government-funded Voice of America (VOA).

There were 617,000 internet users by mid-2019, comprising 5% of the population (InternetWorldStats.com).

Social media serve as news sources in place of shuttered radio stations. They are also used for attempts at spreading disinformation, says RSF.